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Bad Calls - Pickleball Podcast

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Activity Overview

Episode publication activity over the past year

Episodes

Pickleball Contracts Are Cracking and Lawsuits are Building

26 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Contracts get torn up, players wake up banned, and the pickleball world spirals. On this episode of Bad Calls, the crew breaks down the UPA contract c...

Bad Calls, Speculation, and Sinister Sideline Drama

06 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The guys break down MLP’s new partnership with Owl AI for automated line calling, recap all the chaos from the Lakeland PPA, including a parent deli...

The Johnsons Show Up Unannounced… and Get Humbled

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Johnson brothers rolled into Crescent Lake without a text… and immediately got the full Monday-night reality check.We also hit Worlds storylines...

Roasting Travis While Recapping Vegas and MLP Cup

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Graham and Luke start things off by absolutely dominating on the tennis court before jumping into a Vegas recap, the Lifetime Open, and whatever else ...

John Lucian Goins: The Chess Brain Taking Over Pickleball

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rising pro Jon Lucien pulls up to Bad Calls to talk back-to-back singles wins, why deception beats pace, and how a chess habit sharpens his reads. We ...

Wooden Paddles Made Pickleball… Better?!

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Kawamoto sisters snag gold in Cincinnati and prove that they were severely underrated! We get into why their patient style works and how parity is...

Are Pros Softer Than Tennis Players? Hindrance Chaos and Line-Call Cheating

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re back at Crescent Lake and it finally isn’t raining. Travis breaks down a grueling PPA Challenger weekend, the certification chaos that has p...

Andre Daescu the Best Men’s Player in the World

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Andre Daescu just went full beast mode at MLP Finals in New York. He didn’t just win, he dominated. We’re talking flawless men’s play, carrying ...

Are Pickleball Pros Making Too Much Money?

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we cover everything from rowdy Utah crowds heckling pros to why Dallas might have been the loudest MLP event ever. We get into why Ben Johns...

Ben Johns Gets Traded... and Everyone's Mad

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ben Johns gets traded to the Mad Drops… and the league kind of melted down. Was it collusion? Was it smart business? Depends on who you ask.We break...

We Kidnapped Little Gucci Rach

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re back from New York and we’ve got stories. The venue didn't smell great, one of us might be kidnapped by now, and someone definitely ord...

It will not be my last intentional hook, I can tell you that.

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We break down Travis’ intentional hook at PPA San Clemente. Yes, it was on purpose, and no, he’s not sorry. Plus: new Smash teammates and more Lab...

$50,000 and a Super Rare Conspiracy

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A $50,000 fine made the news this week, we break down what happened, why it matters, and whether the punishment fits the moment. Then it’s on to MLP...

Kendra Lust Wants a Smash Jersey (And We’re Not Complaining)

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New jerseys, big heads, and even bigger drama. The Bad Calls crew is on-site at the Racket Club of St. Pete, where they break down Florida Smash’s n...

Hayden Patriquin's Apology

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hayden Padugruin joins the pod to break down the most talked-about moment of the MLP season—his courtside clash with Anna Leigh Waters. From what wa...

Agassi’s Playing the U.S. Open… and We’re Kinda Coaching Him?

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a tennis legend becomes your pickleball student? In this episode, the guys break down playing with Andre Agassi, who’s now texting...

Andre Agassi: Pickleball Lit a Fire in Me

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode of Bad Calls, we sit down with tennis legend Andre Agassi to talk about how pickleball unexpectedly reignited his competitive ...

Anna Leigh Waters & Catherine Parenteau Split

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What's next for Catherine & Rachel? Can we see a revenge tour for the new pair? We break it down in a special episode.

Pickleball Execs Get Heated at RacquetX 🔥

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week on Bad Calls, we break down an awkward panel at RacquetX — where execs got a little heated.Also in this episode:• Luz paddle controversy...

Hand Battles & Trash Talk Are Dying in Pickleball

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is trash talk dying in pickleball? Are hand battles officially over thanks to paddle technology? And who the hell is Lucien Goins, and how did he just...

Drafting the Florida Smash & Reaction to MLP Rosters

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Travis and Graham talk through the MLP draft process and how they picked the players for the Florida Smash. They also react to the new premier team ro...

Travis' Controversial Challenge in Mesa & New Player Stealing Rule in Major League Pickleball

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Not a fantastic weekend for Travis in Mesa - he tests the newest paddle challenge rule in his mixed doubles game. Plus, Graham walks us through the in...

Major League Pickleball Says Goodbye to Rally Scoring

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Say goodbye to rally scoring and hello to 6 player rosters for premier teams. Graham and Travis get into the details of the changes and what it'l...

Recapping the drama from The PPA Masters

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Travis and Graham recap the Masters Tournament, covering key matches, windy conditions, and standout performances. They discuss the Selkirk 08 paddle ...

Predicting Ben John's New Partner

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Vote for us in The Dink Awards for Best Podcast — dinkawards.com

PPA Finals Reaction & Predictions for 2025

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Let's just say there was some confusion over last week's bet. Nevertheless, Graham and Travis both decided to give $100 to stop Alzheimers n...

Setting the record straight & predicting PPA finals

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ok so we don't get it right every time but hey at least we're honest about it! Go to our IG for a chance to win the FlickWizard jersey.

Reacting to the MLP final & predicting who is getting dropped

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Well, Graham & Travis didn't get a single prediction right for the MLP final so why not make even more predictions on who will get dropped by...

Pickleballer kicked in the head after a match

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The whole world has seen it, the viral video of a pickleball player being kicked in the head. Travis and Graham break down what happened and explain w...

Bad Calls and Wake Up Calls featuring Ryan Sherry

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Sherbear himself (Ryan Sherry) stops Crescent Lake and chats with us about all the great things he almost made it to. Not all as a result of eatin...

Making Pickleball More Entertaining ft. Jaume Martinez Vich & Layne Sleeth

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we welcomed Jaume and Layne to the Crescent Lake courts to talk about their rise in pickleball, how they think they performed in MLP, and ho...

From Tennis to Pickleball ft. Donald Young

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From the US Open semi-finals to the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball, Donald Young talks through his transition to the sport and what the reality ...

This Rivalry Will Make Pickleball Successful

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Just when you thought you saw the best pickleball match of all time, we get one even better. Is there anything better than a rivalry like this? Let us...

Favoritism in the PPA?

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we talk about potential favoritism with certain players on tour. Plus, Travis and Graham recap Virginia Beach and how the Smash are shaping ...

Did the trades pay off? MLP New York City Recap

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Travis and Graham break down the team chemistry for MLP New York City after their first appearance with Christa Gecheva and Donald Young.

The future of paddle testing with UPA-A President Jason Aspes

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we ask Jason Aspes, president of the UPA-A, his take on pickleball paddles, the state of testing, and future of the sport.

New serving rule coming to the PPA? Plus, the new players traded to the Smash

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Will we be seeing a new serving rule come to the PPA? Travis and Graham talk through whether the serve should be a weapon in pickleball. Plus, we go b...

The Worst Line Call in Pickleball

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We've got to talk about how this sport is going to move forward at the professional level if we don't invest in technology at the lines.

Hot Mic Season in Pickleball

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You just can't be too careful what you say these days... although somebody should tell that to Travis. We're back from an unfortunately long...

Pickleball has a line call problem

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A recap of MLP and PPA Atlanta highlights one of the latest issues in pickleball, bad line calls. Travis and Graham talk through the future of the Flo...

The Rise of Daescu & That Special Paddle

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Live from Major League Pickleball Atlanta, we sit down with pro-player Andrei Daescu & Charles Darling, CEO of Proton Paddles. We talk about the r...

Travis and Graham's Predictions for MLP Atlanta

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We may be biased but we're putting good money on the Smash taking the whole thing. Who are your top teams for premier and challenger?

The best sh*t talkers on tour

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Travis gives a rundown of the best chirpers in pickleball along with the do's and don'ts of getting spicy on the court.

"It literally felt like I was playing with a tennis racket"

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The boys react to the new Joola Gen 3 Paddles - do you think this is a step in the right direction for paddle technology? They also recap the Houston ...

Travis is back on the Smash! Behind the scenes of the MLP draft.

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After not drafting in premier, Travis becomes the steal of the century for the Florida Smash, making the team a force to be reckoned with this MLP sea...

Everyone is dropping out of MLP

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With so many pros dropping out of Major League Pickleball - who is even left to draft? Travis and Graham talk through the roster of the signed (and un...

Jack Sock on his Transition to Pickleball

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we get on the phone with Jack Sock to talk about his transition into pickleball and whether he's really having the best time while out ...

Cheating in Minnesota? Plus Looking Ahead at Austin PPA

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We recap PPA Indoor Minnesota and talk about what it'll take for Travis to get on the podium. Plus there's a rumor that a certain paddle com...

Mergers, Buy-Outs, & Contracts Yet to Be Signed

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Major League Pickleball is back! Travis and Graham share their reactions to the merge and share some rumors of players who never signed.

"I feel like it took the life out of me" ft. Lea Jansen

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Get 15% off your Rukpack with code Rattlesnake15 at Rukpack.comUse code Rattlesnake20 to get 20% off your Engage paddle at engagepickleball.com

We Went Inside APP Paddle Testing

27 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Get 15% off your Rukpack.com with code Rattlesnake15Join the Tampa Bay Lightning Pickleball event: https://e.givesmart.com/events/Avv/i/_All/

Serving Chaos and PPA Masters Recap

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Use code Rattlesnake15 to get 15% off your Rukpack at Rukpack.com

Travis is ready to Nasty Nelson at the PPA Masters

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Tennis Sucks - Use code Rattlesnake15 to get 15% off your Rukpack at Rukpack.com. This week we recount the trouble we got in for announcing...

New official balls, APP rule changes, and surprising 2024 matchups. ft. Alix Troung

03 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Get 15% off your own Rukpak using code rattlesnake15 at Rukpack.comWelcome to Tennis Sucks, a pickleball podcast by Travis Rettenmaier and Graham D’...

Will pro pickleball survive?

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Get 15% off your Ruk Backpack with code Rattlesnake15 @ Rukpack.comPlay the Frenchy's Pickled Grouper Classic on Jan 26-28 (Register at pickledgr...

"We're cleaning up PPA's mess"

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Get 15% off your Ruk backpack with code Rattlesnake15: https://rukpack.com/This week, MLP players create a representation group to create more leverag...

We're going to jail?

09 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Tennis Sucks, a pickleball podcast by Travis Rettenmaier and Graham D’Amico. This week, we talk player cuts from Major League Pickleball ...

"Travis is a budget JW Johnson" - sh*t talking with Anna Bright

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Tennis Sucks, a pickleball podcast by Travis Rettenmaier and Graham D’Amico. This week, we’ve traded Travis for a much better host in t...

Has MLP lost its allure? Recap of Best & Worst Performances. Plus, more paddle testing drama.

10 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we kick things off with a recap of the newest paddle testing drama including that published call between some pros and the PPA. Travis talk...

PicklePod / Tennis Sucks Crossover: 65% of MLP Atlanta Paddles Failed & MLP Dallas Predictions

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We recap the wild $50k pro-player showcase in Lakeland this past week, including Rafa's ability to straight-up convince the refs to change their ...

MLP Shuffle Draft, PPA Vegas Recap - Plus Paddle Testing Controversy

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we recap the PPA Vegas tournament, including some recent controversy over paddle testing… Travis explains how the PPA race for the finals...

Fights on the Pickleball Court? APP Atlanta Recap. Plus Paddle Sponsor Updates

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we recap the APP Atlanta Open which has some suprising results in the mens final and a few very questionable line calls. Plus, do people fi...

MLP Atlanta Recap — Florida Smash & Ranchers Results. Plus, a New Quiet Pickleball?

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we recap all things MLP Atlanta – including the performance of the Florida Smash and Travis on the Texas Ranchers. Will we see some trade...

Pickleball Deflate Gate? Cincinnati Recap plus Atlanta MLP Pool Reaction.

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week – we recap the PPA Cincinnati Open including the controversial referee call on what’s now being referred to as “deflate gate.” Plus,...

MLP & APP Merger? Plus, We Answer Fan Questions About The Tour Wars.

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we answer questions submitted by our listeners on the Pickleball Tour Wars, including, ‘Where the Heck is the APP in all this?” – Plus...

Is This the End of Pro Pickleball? Special Episode on the Tour Wars.

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we host a special episode to look back on one of the wildest weekends in Pickleball history. Travis and Graham talk about the behind-the-sc...

Graham DUPR Goes Down After Playing Pro, Bad PPA Venues, Plus Win a Tie Dye Smash Hat!

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we take a look back at Graham's pro debut at the Tournament of Champions, including what turned out to be a not-so-stellar venue.  Tra...

Graham goes PRO at TOC? Pickleball Pro Fights ft. Special Guest AllThingsPickleball

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We join the celebrity boxing match trend by asking the question, which pickleball pros would beat Travis in a fight? Plus, Graham is making his pro de...

Pickleball Conspiracy Theories, AL Singles Loss, & No More PPA Back-draw?

11 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

00:00 Intro03:05 Anna Leigh Upset04:48 Johns' Bros Upset05:35 Graham's Conspiracy Theory08:33 Matt & Riley Breakup Update11:21 Florida S...

John's bros lose in Seattle & Lea quits singles forever? Plus, Rachel Rohrabacher talks about her MLP draft.

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we meet with Rachel Rohrabacher on her surprise premier draft to the Orlando squeeze. She lets us in on the behind-the-scenes conversations ...

Ep 22 — MLP Draft Reaction, Travis on the Ranchers, & Can You Get Concussed by a Pickleball?

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Travis and Graham react to the MLP draft, including Travis' switch to the Ranchers. We also dive into the recent injuries in Pickleball - can you...

EP 21 — Travis Doesn't Believe in the Transition Zone? Plus. Graham Goes Viral

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we recap the recent APP event in California, build a dream-team for Travis in the premier MLP draft, and talk about the Florida Smash's...

San Clemente Recap & Challenger Draft. MLP Rule Changes? Plus Matt & Riley Breakup

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dive into this latest podcast episode, where hosts Graham and Travis recap yet another unforgettable MLP in San Clemente including the ups and downs o...

Reaction to MLP Bracket & Which Teams Are Overrated. Plus, Do All Pros Need Trainers? Ft. Connor Derrickson — Ep 19

27 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Travis and Graham, along with their guest and pickleball trainer for the pros, Connor Derrickson, break down everything from the latest tou...

The Unfair PPA Seeding System and Hairspray On Your Paddle? — Ep 16

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Travis and Graham dive into all things PPA seeding system. Is it fair for some players and not others? We explore the ins and outs of the ranking syst...

Trav the Delam Paddle Avenger! Plus the Sock Show, MLP Shuffle Draft & a Bronze Medal - Ep.17

13 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Fresh off a great weekend at the PPA North Carolina Open, Trav is in high spirits and especially talkative on this week's episode of the Tennis S...

Pickleball is NOT a Golf Clap Sport! Plus Newport Beach, US Open & Questionable Coaching - Ep.16

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode, the boys endure the heat of the Florida sun to get the Tennis Sucks faithful their weekly fix of hot Pickleball takes.  ...

What Paddle is That?? Trav Talks Tyson Match, Delamination, Planter-gate, PPA Red Rock Open & So Much More - Ep.15

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The boys are back at Crescent Lake after a brief hiatus and have A LOT to discuss. Fresh off the plane from Utah, Travis offers his perspective on th...

MLP Daytona 2023 Pre-Game Pod! Plus PPA, PED's, Delamination & Cheating - Ep.14

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode, the boys are back at Crescent Lake and are gearing up for the second MLP event of the year in Daytona, FL.A lot has trans...

Collin Johns! The Better Johns Brother - Plus MLP, Ping Pong & Lethal Lefty Forehands - Ep.13

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode, the boys are joined by arguably the best player in the world and by far the better Johns brother, Collin Johns.Brought to yo...

Shootin' the Sh*t with Tropickle Pickleball! Plus Roasting the Pros, Live Tropickleball Commentary, and MLP - Ep.12

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's episode, the boys are joined by one of Pickleball's biggest influencers, Tropickle Pickleball. Rarely seen in front of the ca...

No Bully Ball in Jessie's House w/Jessie Irvine! Plus Travis Gets Replaced by Pickleball Will?? - Ep.11

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode, the boys are joined by first round draft pick and ATP Queen, Jessie Irvine.Brought to you live from the Major League Pickleb...

Pickleball Matchmaking w/Rachel Rettger! Plus Sponsorship Details, Dating on Tour and MLP - Ep.10

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode the boys are joined by Pro Pickleball bombshell Rachel Rettger. The group discusses a variety of topics including: Rachel’s...

MLP 2023, DUPR and the Future of Pickleball w/MLP Founder Steve Kuhn! - Ep.9

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With just a couple of weeks until the first MLP event of 2023, the boys sit down with MLP Founder and Pickleball business mastermind, Steve Kuhn, to d...

Is This Man the Best Pickleball Coach in the Country? Plus More PPA, MLP & Fired Up Trav - Ep.8

06 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the Tennis Sucks Podcast the boys are joined by the best Pickleball coach in the country, Nate Jager. Nate breaks down what being a...

What Happens in Vegas Does Not Stay in Vegas! 2023 MLP Draft, Jack Sock & Parris Todd - Ep.7

27 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas!” Or so we thought. Lucky for us, the boys are back from Vegas and ready to tell all on this week’s episod...

Is Hannah Johns Trading in the Mic for a Paddle?! Plus MLP Draft & PPA Orlando - Ep.6

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode the boys sit down with Pickleball renaissance woman Hannah Johns and chat about a variety of topics. Hannah discloses if she will ever...

The Amazon Man! Special Guest Austin Tchikatilov Talks Minor League Pickleball, Pro Pickleball Aspirations and Mind & Body Wellness - Ep.5

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode the boys sit down with Pro Pickleball athlete Austin Tchikatilov and touch on a variety of topics. Austin discusses how his unique out...

PPA Rockwall & Minor League Pickleball! Plus Lead Tape and Bad Line Calls - Ep.4

27 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Trav is finally happy! Travis talks PPA Rockwall, his results at the event, some beef with a player from Utah regarding bad line calls and sends a war...

Good Vibes! MLP & Vibe Merger - Plus Parenteau Partner Switch and Nationals 2022 - Ep.3

20 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week the boys give their thoughts on the Vibe Pickleball and MLP merger. They discuss how the merge will affect the future of Pro Pickleball and ...

Travis Talks 1v2 Pickleball Match for 100k! Plus Florida Smash Part Owner Julio DePietro's Journey to MLP Team Ownership and Why Travis is the Ideal Tour Guide - Ep.2

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Join MLP Florida Smash team owners Travis Rettenmaier, Graham D'Amico, and Julio DePietro for an in depth discussion regarding Travis' 1v2 1...

APP Houston or Hell on Earth? Plus MLP Columbus, Sam Querrey, and Court Shortages - Ep.1

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Inaugural episode of the Tennis Sucks Podcast! Trav and Graham provide some background into their friendship and how they got started playing Pick...